Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

19. Innate Immunity

Effects of the Complement System

Microbiology

19. Innate Immunity

Effects of the Complement System

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Multiple Choice

How do membrane attack complexes cause cell lysis of invading microbes?

The complexes attack the cell walls of the microbe causing it to be vulnerable to attack by immune cells.

The complexes form pores in the cell membrane of the microbe causing the cytoplasmic contents to leak out.

The complexes attack the cell surface receptors of the microbe triggering the cell membrane to degrade.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the membrane attack complex (MAC) in the immune response. The MAC is part of the complement system, which is a group of proteins that play a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens.

Recognize that the MAC specifically targets the cell membrane of invading microbes. It is formed by the assembly of complement proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and multiple C9 molecules.

Learn how the MAC forms a pore in the cell membrane. The assembly of these proteins creates a channel that spans the lipid bilayer of the microbial cell membrane.

Understand the consequence of pore formation. The pore disrupts the integrity of the cell membrane, allowing ions and small molecules to pass freely across the membrane.

Realize that the loss of membrane integrity leads to cell lysis. The uncontrolled flow of water and ions into the cell causes osmotic imbalance, leading to swelling and eventual rupture of the microbial cell, effectively killing it.